Aaron Berkowitz is a junior majoring in art history.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself — any clubs, hobbies or major plans for the future?
“I have a serious passion for art. Since middle school, my dream has been to be a museum curator. Right now, I am a curatorial intern at the Binghamton University Art Museum where I am working on my first-ever exhibition. In this exhibition, I focus on the importance of human embrace and touch across cultures and time, which will include works from all over the world! For some non-art-related news, I’ve also had a ton of fun getting involved with Dickinson’s Co-Rec team this year where I’ve met some truly great people!”
2. What is your platform?
“All students deserve an opportunity to express their culture and identity. I want community organizations and students to be extremely involved in the event-planning process alongside the [Vice President for Multicultural Affairs (VPMA)] office. The communities themselves should decide how they choose to be represented here and the University’s multicultural events should reflect that. Culture and identity should be shared, expressed and experienced across the student body. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through food. I will implement culturally themed nights at the dining halls with much higher frequency. Cultural organizations will have the opportunity to sponsor these themed nights, allowing their cuisine to be celebrated in the way they see best. Art, dance and fashion are also extremely relevant to identity and cultural expression and will be promoted on the highest stage. I want to actively encourage inclusion and acceptance by amplifying the voices of students across the University. Action needs to be taken to promote diversity to the level we expect it to be on this campus and I will implement that action. That point can only be reached if the VPMA office helps to facilitate the unity necessary to understand one another and bring us together.”
3. Why did you decide to run for an SA E-Board position?
“I decided to run because I love [BU] and I want to improve it. Right now, the campus is not unified to the degree many students expect it to be. I want [BU] to be an even more inclusive and understanding place for all students. By being elected to this position, I can personally ensure that students have the ability to experience and share the countless cultures and identities the campus has to offer. Even more importantly, students will have their voice heard. Exposure brings togetherness, and more emphasis needs to be placed in forging this unity. I want to help facilitate this needed emphasis in any way I can.”
4. Why should students vote for you?
“I have the necessary experience to be the [VPMA]. My first year at [BU], I was a member of the Mountainview College Council as the VPMA of Windham Hall. This year, I am the constituent relations strategist in the SA President’s Office where I handle student needs and communication between communities and the Student Association. I have also gained vital leadership experience as the president of the Art History Society. I care about representing communities at [BU]. The countless organizations here provide a massive benefit to students. I want to give these [organizations] the platform necessary to share the great things they do with everyone, as we all learn about each other. Many students don’t feel unified, and students should be brought together again.”